Why are cedar closets good
Mia Kelly
Published Mar 27, 2026
Cedar removes moisture from the air, so in humid climates, it will act as a natural dehumidifier and keep your clothes from developing mildew. Cedar’s natural smell is very pleasant and aromatic, so it will keep your home and your clothes smelling fresh, even as the scent protects them.
Are cedar closets still popular?
Cedar closets have increased in popularity as a result. The environmentally friendly wood is a very sustainable, renewable resource. The Eastern juniper/red cedar is a pioneer species, which means that it is one of the first trees to repopulate cleared, eroded, or otherwise damaged land.
Is cedar closet expensive?
In a sense, present day cedar closets are a bit of a throwback. While they are still expensive, and may in some cases increase your home’s value, there are certainly better and easier ways to protect your sensitive clothing.
Does a cedar closet add value to a home?
Cedar is also a sustainable, environmentally friendly material that doesn’t require treatment with potentially harmful pesticides. Therefore, cedar closets could be a popular feature with eco-conscious home buyers, potentially increasing your home’s value and making it a more attractive option when you choose to sell.Should I build a cedar closet?
While there are many types of cedar, Eastern red cedar, aka aromatic red cedar, is the only type that gives off the familiar scent that deters moths and insects. … To use cedar to its fullest, you should line a whole closet with it.
Do cedar closets need to be sealed?
A. Cedar paneling in closets should never be sealed. The purpose of the cedar paneling is to release the aroma and volatile compounds in the cedar into the closet to repel moths.
How long do cedar closets last?
As a rule of thumb, good cedar blocks can last for a period of 3 to 7 years. The best way to renew the strength of cedar blocks is by sanding its exterior with sandpaper. You can do it more frequently if its fragrance fades quickly.
Does cedar wood absorb moisture?
Absorbing. Another plus of cedar is its ability to absorb moisture in the air. … As you know, moisture equals increased mold and mildew, which can be catastrophic for your wardrobe and closet. Cedar comes and saves the day by getting rid of all and then some.Will cedar stain clothes?
Because cedar wood (and many other wood products for that matter) is highly acidic. As the wood ages, it off gasses acids. And when those acids come into physical contact with your garments, the acids could possibly yellow your garments and deteriorate the fibers.
Can you store food in a cedar closet?Good news! Even though you can’t just throw anything as it is into your cedar chest and close the lid, you can store pretty much anything in your chest.
Article first time published onDoes cedar lose its smell?
Fresh, fresh cedar in quantity can be smelled from much farther away! All cedar will dry over time as oil evaporates into the air (like it should). As scent fades, sand your cedar or spray it with Cedar Power Spray. A light touch will do.
How long does cedar wood smell last?
Over time, aromatic cedar loses its aroma, but it can be restored by sanding away the top layer of the wood. Depending on the original strength of the scent in the wood (which varies), this may have to be done every three to seven years to refresh the wood’s insect-repelling aroma.
Does cedar repel bugs in closet?
Cedarwood oil found in cedar wood can protect the clothing in your closets from moths and bugs that damage fabric. Since the time of the ancient Egyptians, civilizations have used this oil to repel insects and odors.
How do you maintain a cedar closet?
Dust the cedar wood in your closet just as you would dust your wood furniture in order to keep it clean. Apply cedar oil to the surface of your closet once or twice a year to keep the wood moist and refresh the cedar aroma.
How do I make my cedar closet smell better?
Fortunately, cedar that has lost its scent can be restored by simply sanding the exposed wood surfaces lightly. (Likewise, a cedar sachet used in a drawer needs only to be pinched a bit to release a fresh scent from the wood shavings inside.)
Does all cedar wood smell?
Odor: All Cedrus species share a sweet, rather citrus-like scent that lingers well after the wood has been cut or machined.
Does cedar repel silverfish?
Cedar: This is another smell silverfish don’t appreciate. Cedar can also keep certain areas dry. Grab a few cedar blocks or strips and place them in areas that might be desirable to silverfish. Cedar isn’t a strong scent, which means it will irritate them without irritating you.
Does cedar deter mice?
Mice will chew through wood, including cedar. Barriers should be constructed of heavy materials such as sheet metal, concrete mortar or heavy gauge hardware cloth. Mice are not bothered by chemical scent repellants or strong smelling essential oils such as mint or cedar.
Does cedar really keep moths away?
The good news is that, yes, cedar works against a clothes moth infestation. … The oils also repel moths. However, over time, the cedar is going to lose its natural oils. An antique cedar chest is going to be far less effective at repelling and killing moths than a new chest.
Does cedar repel spiders?
Cedar. Cedar blocks and chips sprinkled around your home and inside your house will get rid of spiders and other bugs. An added bonus is a nice woody scent around your home.
Can you stain cedar closet?
Cedar can be bleached, stained, painted or waxed. If being used in a kitchen, bathroom or other damp area, use a finishing product rated for exterior use, perhaps even a cedar fence stain, for added moisture protection.
What bugs does cedar repel?
Cedar has long been used as a natural way to repel and inhibit insects like termites, certain ants, moths, mosquitoes, and cockroaches.
Can you paint cedar closet?
Apply the paint to the cedar like you would apply paint to a wall. I used a small roller and a 2” angled paint brush. I wanted the closet to match the other trim and moldings in the room, so I used BEHR ULTRA PURE WHITE paint in semi-gloss finish. If you want less shine, I would recommend a satin finish instead.
Is Lavender a good moth repellent?
Herbs – Several fragrant herbs repel moths, including rosemary, thyme, cloves, lavender and bay leaves. Place the herbs in a small bag in cupboards or spray the essential oil into high-risk areas.
How do I keep moths out of my closet?
To Prevent a Closet Moth Infestation: Dry clean or launder clothing with more frequency. Launder any secondhand clothing purchased immediately upon bringing it into your home. Launder any seasonal items before putting them into storage. Hang herbal sachets with lavender, thyme and rosemary to repel moths.
Does cedar smell nice?
That’s really the smell of cedar, which is of course also the wood used for pencils. Of course it smells woody, but that’s just too simple: it also has a freshness, with hints of resin. If you’ve ever walked in an evergreen forest, cedar will transport you back there, too.
Why is cedar wood so good?
Cedar wood is extremely durable and holds up well to outdoor weather conditions. … In addition to its inherent durability, the natural oils within the wood will help to deter insect damage and rotting. Cedar does not need to be chemically treated, making it a good choice for families who prefer to use natural products.
Is cedar naturally waterproof?
Due to its chemical properties, cedar is naturally weather-resistant and repels most bugs. … Cedar accepts sealers and stains beautifully and should be refinished every two to three years. If you plan to keep your cedar’s natural color, note that cedar can darken dramatically when exposed to sunlight.
Will bed bugs get in cedar chest?
Cedar wood will not kill bed bugs.
Can you use cedar in a pantry?
I spray on cedar blocks and just put a few in my pantry and cupboards and it keeps moths away. Don’t need a lot so your food won’t smell like cedar if you use in moderation. 2 of 2 found this helpful.
How do you get mold off a cedar chest?
A Natural Solution Cedar oil has natural mold-killing properties. Mix the oil as directed on the label, which may suggest a solution of 1 tablespoon of cedar oil to 1 cup of water. Use a clean spray bottle or mister to spray the entire chest to restrict future mold growth and enhance the wood evenly.